ENCOURAGING IMAGINATION, EXPLORATION, AND INNOVATION.

By vivian|December 4th, 2017|Education|Comments Off on The Process of Normalization: Is My Child Normal?

Every parent is familiar with this thought: “is my child normal?” The word “normal” has become synonymous with what is considered typical, average, or standard. Many assume that the process of normalization is about conforming to expectations. However, the Montessori educational philosophy emphasizes something quite different.

In her observations of childhood development, Dr. Maria Montessori (founder of the Montessori method), observed a unique process that she termed “normalization.” This process occurs as your children achieve various, specific milestones. It’s yet another way in which the Montessori method can benefit your child more than traditional daycare.

Read on, to learn more about Montessori’s findings and the process of normalization.

What is the Process of Normalization?

After observing children for a long time, Dr. Montessori noticed a fascinating trend: children who were allowed independence in an environment suited to their needs learned and experienced personal growth on their own. She concluded that children

As your child grows, you will find them display an increasing need to be independent. “I’ll do it myself” is a very common phrase among toddlers. Rather than discouraging them, it’s important to nurture their independence and ability to take care of themselves. The Montessori toddler guide seeks to help your child complete basic tasks on their own and give them tasks that they can successfully accomplish.

Read on, to learn about the Montessori toddler guide to dressing and toilet training!

Montessori Toddler Guide: The Dressing Frame

At Maria Montessori International Academy, we utilize a dressing frame in an effort to make dressing easier. A dressing frame is a very important tool for toddlers, helping them hone their fine motor skills, especially the ability to grasp and pinch with their fingers. This method allows your child to learn to button, zip, velcro, and snap. In other words, toddlers will increase

By vivian|November 6th, 2017|Education|Comments Off on Early Childhood: Avoiding Technological Distractions

In today’s digital age, it seems counterintuitive to keep technology away from your children, but there is good reason for doing so. Early childhood development is stunted by digital distractions. In fact, your toddler or infant will learn and retain information primarily through their senses. Computers inhibit the natural use of the senses, and do not provide the natural and positive stimulation your young child requires.

At Maria Montessori International Academy, we provide your child with the tools that foster creative and critical thinking. We also aim to instill a love of learning that will transcend the need for electronic distractions.

We are proud to offer far more than traditional childcare, basing our practices in the wonderful Montessori method. Read on, to learn more about our educational techniques.

Early Childhood Benefits of Sensory Play

Sensory exploration is a vital process in how children learn. For example, babies learn how to speak

As parents, we all want the best for our children. In our search for the best, we seek out the best schools, the most educational toys, and, of course, high quality childcare. In particular, high quality childcare provides a great advantage to younger children. This avenue helps them develop social skills while preparing them for future education.

However, not all childcare is equal. Not only are you looking for exceptional care, but also a great learning environment.

Learning comes naturally for children, but the guidance they receive will factor into how quickly they learn and how much they absorb. The options we offer at Maria Montessori International Academy (MMIA) aim to foster that natural love of learning. We hope to give your child an advantage that lasts a lifetime.

Life happens. And for one reason or another, you now find yourself needing childcare near you. Unfortunately, finding space in an affordable preschool after the start of the school year is not always easy. Fortunately for you, right now we have guaranteed placements for children from ages 3 months to five years of age. Let me introduce you to our early education Montessori school – Maria Montessori International Academy. MMIA has locations convenient to Indianapolis, Zionsville, and Carmel, Indiana. So no matter where you are, we’ve got you covered.

Montessori Method

For those who are less familiar with the Montessori Method of education, here are some things you will want to know. Montessori education has been practiced for over 100 years in many parts of the world.

Does the idea of 4-year-olds learning how to read seem odd? How about 3-year-olds learning how to write?

At Montessori schools, it’s the norm.

That’s what Indianapolis parent Andrell Moore found out a few years ago. When Moore arrived at Maria Montessori International Academy to pick up his daughter at the end of a school day, the teachers gave him an unexpected surprise: a recording of the young girl reading an entire book for the first time.

He was taken aback. “The thing about it was that was really surprising that it was before her 4th birthday,” Moore recalled. “It was priceless. Normally, you would have to be attending super expensive academies to receive that type of education. What they were able to provide my daughter was really priceless.”

Moore’s child wasn’t the only student at MMIA who learned to read at the ages

If your child seems to hate school, dreads getting up in the morning on school days or constantly pretends to be ill, don’t ignore this type of behavior. You shouldn’t consider it “natural” for your child to hate going to school.

When the classroom is stimulating, engaging and welcoming, most children look forward to going to school. Based on numerous studies, your child may be facing challenges in several areas that make attending class an uncomfortable experience.

Here are 5 reasons you should explore:

1. Poor performance with math. Don’t underestimate the frustration your child has with math. If a child is performing poorly in this subject area, there’s a good chance he will struggle in other subjects, according to a recent report published in The Washington Post.

That study revealed that many students struggle with academic performance in reading and other subjects — primarily because they struggle with math.

As she was with her teaching methods, Dr. Maria Montessori is memorable for her inspiring quotes. Many of them are based on her research and observations that shaped the life-changing philosophies of the Montessori Method. Over the course of many years, Dr. Montessori shared her insights in books and lectures around the world.

No matter who you are in the life of a child — as a parent, teacher, friend or relative, we’re sure you’ll find our Top 10 favorite Maria Montessori quotes truly inspiring.
Please share a few of your own favorite Montessori quotes with us!

Here they are … our top 10 Montessori quotes!

“The child has a mind able to absorb knowledge. He has the power to teach himself.”

“A child who has become master of his acts through long and repeated exercises, and who has been encouraged by the pleasant and